For his debut as coach of VfB Stuttgart, Sebastian Hoeneß will choose a line-up that will be “not exclusively based on the principle of performance”.
That wasn’t possible either due to the tight schedule, said Bruno Labbadia’s freshly introduced successor ahead of the quarter-finals in the DFB Cup at second division club 1. FC Nürnberg this Wednesday (6:00 p.m.).
“Everyone is fit, everyone is available – that’s very positive,” said the 40-year-old, who was under contract with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim until June and has been without a club since then.
Hoeneß said that his decision as to which eleven players he will line up for his premiere will depend on many factors. “The plan comes together from the impressions I’ve had in the past, from my gut feeling, tactical considerations and discussions.”
Hoeneß does not contact ex-Stuttgart coach Labbadia
Hoeneß emphasized that he would not contact his predecessor. “I’m making up my own mind. It makes no sense for me to go into things that I can’t judge for myself, and I won’t do any research into the causes,” he said.
In the Bundesliga, VfB takes last place. In addition to staying in the class, the club’s major goal, the new coach is also toying with the idea of the cup final, which will take place in Berlin on June 3rd.
However, after the third change of coach this season, the team is also challenged. “We have to try to make scratches and biters out of players who have lost faith,” said sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth. He hopes that Hoeneß manages to shake up the pros.